2016 finale: Scramble for Bramble and Hop to Pot.

8 GoodGym runners ran 2.3 miles to a community garden, then ran back

We saw the year out how we started it, logging some smooth urban miles, helping out with good local causes and cracking up a bit on the way.

In spite of the thousands of West Ham Fans inundating the Olympic Park, and as a result blocking off several routes...we all made it in time - just. A wee warm up and natter, then some random questions. Best Christmas song and festive food? Some classic answers, the food question definitely made a few mouths water. The song question caused an incessant loop back in my head, Siobhan's - East 17, Stay Now - I'll just have to live the rest with that as background music - I'll be fine, probably.

With no time to waste we quickly went into run mode, slicing through the oncoming West Ham horde, who yelled many a motivational word. I'm sure they were just interested in our long term fitness progression and wanted to see us increase our base cardiovascular system, so that we can beat our old Pb's - bloody good on them.

Once at the task, Myra instructed us competently and quickly. A little but of weeding and potting plants. Hats of to Christina, Alice and Rodrigo. They battled with bramble. A sturdy, stubborn and resilient root, but one that provides a great work out, right?! Mairead, Sharon, Siobhan and Alex potted up some plants with finesse and precision. I counted 9 pots, that's 9 plant lives that you've furthered - HOORAY.

We said our goodbyes to an ever appreciative Myra, then immersed ourselves into the aerobic 2 step. With a gruelling 100 lunge option in their for those who required more powerful legs and glutes. The final few sets of 10 were testing to say the least, but most certainly worth it. In fairness, the run itself was a long one and a solid accomplishment for a fresh mid-December Wednesday evening. 4.6 big bad miles, 51 minutes of full body training - right on!

Had a lovely time at dinner with y'all, not very healthy - but wonderfully tasty food. Good to know some of your deepest darkest fears....Rodrigo, watch out for those walls mate.

Have a terrific xmas and an awesome New Year. Let's make 2017 even better.

Over and out

B